Key facts
- SpaceX restricted Ukraine's Starlink service for offensive drone use, according to Elon Musk.
- Ukraine's military allegedly violated Starlink terms of service by using it for offensive drone strikes.
- Starlink service connectivity issues have reportedly been resolved.
- Ukrainian drones can now operate at speeds exceeding 400km/h.
- Starshield, a separate system, is controlled by the US government.
Elon Musk stated that his company SpaceX had restricted Ukraine's Starlink internet service because the Ukrainian military had violated its terms of service by using it for offensive drone strikes. The service has since been restored, with Ukrainian officials reporting stable connections and improved drone speeds. Musk denied responsibility for a separate issue with the US-run Starshield system, emphasizing it is controlled by the US government. Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov questioned Musk's claims, stating Ukraine cannot use commercial Starlink for long-range drone strikes. The restoration of service coincided with a diplomatic standoff over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.